The Bay Area is full of museums that are unique. Here are some of our favorites that are quirky and fun.
East Bay
Pacific Pinball Museum – This nonprofit is an interactive museum with a display of rare bagatelles and early games. There are more than 100 pinball machines from the 1940s to present day that are available to play. It also has hand-painted murals, vintage jukeboxes and rotating exhibits. Open Tue.-Thu. 11am-9pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 11am-9pm. Admission is $22 adults, $15 seniors, first responders, military, educators and students with ID, $12 ages 5-12 (admission includes all day unlimited play on games).
1510 Webster St., Alameda
Rosie the Riveter World War II Homefront Museum – The stories of those who stayed home during WW II often go untold. At this museum, the homefront heroes are honored with exhibits focusing on the sacrifices and contributions of American civilians during this time. On Fridays, visitors can meet real homefront heroes, referred to as “Rosies” from 10:30-11:30am. Free.
1414 Harbour Way S., Suite 3000, Richmond
North Bay
Charles M. Schultz Museum – Current exhibits include “60 Years of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’” through Jan. 11, 2026, “HA! HA! HA! HA! 75 Years of Humor in Peanuts” through March 18, 2026, and “Peanuts Evolution: The 1980s” through May 4, 2026.
Permanent exhibits include “Schultz’s Re-created Studio,” “Wrapped Snoopy House,” “Peanuts Tile Mural,” and more. 11am-5pm Mon., Wed.-Fri.; 10am-5pm Sat.-Sun. Admission is $15 adults, $10 seniors, $7 students with ID and ages 4-18, 3 and under free.
2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa
Rancho Obi Wan – This nonprofit is said to have the world’s largest “Star Wars” memorabilia collection as certified by the “Guinness World Records” 2014. It includes everything from action figures to spaceships to life-size characters from the “Star Wars” movies. Visitors must schedule a docent-led tour. Tours are limited to 12 people and last two to four hours. Tours are usually booked six to eight weeks in advance. Children under 6 are not permitted. $80 for 13 and up, $40 ages 6-12, discounted rates for members.
Located in Petaluma (address provided when tour is booked)
San Francisco
Gregangelo Museum – Described as whimsical, weird and enchanting, visitors to this museum/historic home/art oasis can choose from several adventures. You can wander the soulful Riddle of the Sphinx, tumble into a rabbit hole or take the whole family to the magical Enchanted Fairy Garden. Book a tour online. Prices vary depending on the tour.
255 San Leandro Way, San Francisco
Musée Mécanique – Family owned and operated since 1933, it is one of the largest privately owned collections of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade artifacts. Visitors can play with more than 300 machines from hand-cranked music boxes to video arcade games. Open 10am-8pm. Free admission, machine prices vary.
Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
Museum of 3D Illusions – Visitors interact with optical illusions and enjoy fun photo ops. It offers exhibits where you can imagine what it’s like to be a professional surfer, skydive, hang from a skyscraper and more. 12-8pm Mon.-Fri., 11am-8pm Sat.-Sun. General admission is $25.
55-61 Jefferson St., San Francisco
Santa Cruz
Surfing Museum – Santa Cruz is known for its surfing scene, making it the perfect place for a surfing museum. Located in a small lighthouse, the museum features nostalgic images, surfboards and other artifacts related to surf culture in the area. Free.
701 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
downtownsantacruz.com/see/santa-cruz-surfing-museum
Teresa Mills-Faraudo is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.
